I visited Kiroro Snow Resort for snowboarding, and the experience was excellent. The snow quality was outstanding, and all the courses were very well maintained. There are plenty of options for beginners, intermediate riders, and advanced snowboarders, so everyone can enjoy the slopes comfortably.
One of the best highlights is that some courses are open until 19:00 for night skiing/snowboarding, and these can be accessed using the same one-day lift pass, which is a great value.
Additionally, people living in Sapporo can receive an extra discount on lift tickets by showing valid proof of residence, which is a nice benefit for locals.
Overall, highly recommended for both day and night snowboarding.
Mixed feelings about Kiroro, having snowboarded here ~10 years ago and returning in Jan 2026… it’s WAY more crowded. Still a great mountain….
PROS: gets amazing powder; good lift infrastructure and facilities; convenient day trip bus from Sapporo at reasonable price with lift ticket
CONS: Lots of people in peak season - pistes were busy; one of the most expensive ski mountains in Japan - lunch was nearly 2x what I paid in Honshu, and still more expensive then other Hokkaido resorts; limited accommodation options (see note above on bus); too many long flat sections - fine for beginners but be prepared to push yourself; like other Hokkaido resorts, the lift Managment is so poor - quads being ridden by 1 person when there’s a 20 min queue, gondolas better managed but still an issue.
Love the place. We were there mid December before the Christmas crowd. Snow was a plenty and it was amazing for beginners and experts alike. Definitely not as crowded as other parts of Japan during ski season this time of the year!
I got a two day pass with ski rentals. The total came out to about $200, so $100 per day. You can’t even ski without rentals for that price in most places in the U.S. I also used their bus service to get there from Sapporo and back. Accommodations at the resort were expensive, so it was an easy way to save money. The bus service is prompt and efficient. The snow was a dream, and all the lifts were open during my two days there. As you can see from the photos, there were no crowds, which made the skiing even better. On the first day, the visibility was great, and you could see the Sea of Japan from the summit. Absolutely stunning. All the workers were kind and friendly. The food was okay, but I wasn’t there for the food anyways.
Our experience at Kiroro Ski Resort, which is not far from Sapporo, felt like stepping into a snowy paradise for our entire family. The powder-like, pristine white snow drifting through the air created a truly magical atmosphere. All facilities were convenient and well maintained, and every member of the staff was exceptionally kind and welcoming. The slopes were also diverse and perfectly suited for our family of intermediate skiers, allowing us to enjoy every moment with confidence and excitement. It is truly a lifetime ski destination that we would love to return to again!
